Rick Raucci. Photo courtesy of Milford Public Schools.
Milford Public Schools announced today the appointment of Richard Raucci as the new director of the Adult Education Program. The appointment follows the announced retirement of long-time Adult Education Program Director Lori Hart.
Raucci has served the district for the past 10 years as an English teacher and reading specialist at Joseph A. Foran High School. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Raucci currently serves as the MPS Adult Education Program facilitator, a role he has held for the past three years, coordinating the state-mandated programs offered in Milford. These include the GED and basic skills preparatory courses, as well as English as a second language and the US citizenship preparatory course.
“As an educator who firmly believes in lifelong learning, I am very excited to be taking on this new role within the Milford Public Schools,” Raucci said. “By providing Milford residents educational opportunities in skill development, as well as general interest and enrichment classes, the Adult Education Program helps to strengthen and build up our Milford community as a whole. I look forward to continuing the collaborative work with our adult education team as we strive to expand and enhance program offerings for our adult learners.”
Raucci developed and piloted an advanced creative writing program, helping students bring their writings to a professional and, subsequently, published level. A strong supporter of social-emotional learning in education, Raucci has led groups such as the Foran Mentoring Program, Unified Sports and Natural Helpers. He more recently served as a member of the Race, Equity, and Social Justice faculty committee at Foran.
Raucci also serves as an adjunct professor at Norwalk Community College, teaching foundational English courses and working with students who are transitioning from high school to college. For the past two years, Raucci has represented Connecticut teachers as a councilman for the State Advisory Council for Special Education in Hartford.
“I am confident that Mr. Raucci will continue to grow on the foundation of our successful Adult Education Program,” said superintendent Dr. Anna Cutaia. “The knowledge, experience and passion he brings to the position will certainly expand the opportunities we can provide to our community. I am excited about where he will take adult education in the future.”
Raucci received his bachelor’s degree in English education from Southern Connecticut State University in 2012, followed by a master’s degree in remedial reading, also from SCSU, in 2015. He will receive a 6th year certificate in educational leadership and administration this summer from Quinnipiac University and will begin pursuing his doctoral degree in educational leadership at SCSU in the fall.